This code of ethics for fostering groups was created by the Michigan Purebred Dog Rescue Alliance (MPDRA) for the benefit of its member organizations and the many shelters and adopters who work with those members. By signing on to this code of ethics, breed-placement groups indicate to shelters and potential clients that they abide by these principles and follow these practices. If a group is later accused of violating one or more of the conditions, MPDRA begins a grievance procedure and launches an investigation to determine if that organization should be removed from the list of signatories.

To make adequate provisions to ensure that rescue animals are free of parasitic infestations.

To provide appropriate food, clean water, and shelter for all animals in my care.

To temperament test each animal and exercise good judgment to assure its suitability for placement. Rescue group will not knowingly place a vicious or otherwise seriously temperamentally unsound animal in an adoptive home.

Rescue animals deemed unadoptable for reasons of health, temperament, or any other reason will be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian or certified euthanasia technician, and properly disposed of.

Adoption Procedures

To thoroughly interview potential adopters utilizing two or more methods (i.e., written application, phone interview, home visit, face-to-face interview) with the goal of placing all rescue animals in homes that are breed-appropriate and specifically appropriate to each individual animal.

To require sterilization for all rescue animals. Rescue group will use a written sterilization contract and security deposit when sterilization is not performed pre-adoption. Rescue group will follow up on all sterilization contracts, making every effort to reclaim unsterilized pets within three months of contract sterilization date. The only exception to this requirement is with a veterinarian's written certification that sterilization should not be performed due to health problems.

To review the current veterinary records of all other pets in the prospective adopter's home prior to placement of the rescued pet.

To obtain landlord approval for prospective adopters who rent or lease their residence.

To require that adopters be at least 18 years of age.

To utilize a written adoption contract which fully discloses all health and temperament information about each rescue animal.

To provide follow-up advice and assistance to adopters.

To take back any rescue animal placed by my group at the request of an adopter. Refund of donation/fee is at the discretion of the rescue group.

To maintain a waiting list of interested adopters when requests to adopt exceed available animals.

In order to prevent their unlawful use, my rescue group will not release the original registration papers of any rescue animal to adopter, even if the animal is sterilized.

Interorganizational/Interpersonal Relations

To abide by all written contracts entered into with a releasing agency or person.

To return phone calls to agencies/private owners with pets to place promptly. If I am unable to return calls promptly, I will make alternative provisions to have calls handled by another rescue representative, or if none is available, to leave information on my phone answering system as to when I will be available to take calls.

To pay agreed-upon fees to releasing agencies for rescue pets, and agreed-upon expenses to private individuals who assist with acquisition, transportation, or temporary care of rescue pets.

To conduct myself in a courteous manner in my rescue work such that my behavior brings credit to the image of the MPDRA and animal rescue in general.

Alliance Cooperation

To provide an annual statistical report to the MPDRA each year.

If incorporated, to provide a copy of our articles of incorporation and/or corporation bylaws to the MPDRA to be kept on file.